A review by evergrn
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 The hype surrounding this book and the flood of glowing reviews made me curious, but also cautious—popular books don’t always live up to their reputation. That said, I was pleasantly surprised because this one absolutely delivered. It’s rare for a book to fully meet my expectations, but this book managed to do just that. 

“She knew the years of isolation had altered her behavior until she was different from others, but it wasn't her fault she'd been alone. Most of what she knew, she'd learned from the wild. Nature had nurtured, tutored, and protected her when no one else would.” 

The story follows Kya Clark who grows up isolated from society after being abandoned by her family. Kya herself is a fascinating protagonist. Her life was full of loneliness and longing. She’s ostracized by the townspeople and judged for things she has no control over. As much as I admired her strength and resilience, I couldn’t help but feel sad for her. She endures so much—abandonment, loss, and prejudice, and yet, she never stops fighting for her place in the world. 

The book isn’t just about Kya’s struggles, though. It’s also about the beauty of her world. Delia Owens paints the marshlands of North Carolina with such vivid detail that it feels alive. The setting isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a vital part of the story, almost like a character itself. It’s easy to understand why Kya feels so connected to it; it’s her sanctuary, her home, and sometimes her only friend. 

“Lot of times love doesn’t work out. Yet even when it fails, it connects you to others and, in the end, that is all you have, the connections.” 

The murder mystery woven into the story adds a layer of intrigue and tension, but what truly shines is the emotional depth. Kya’s relationships, her rare connections with others, her fleeting moments of love and trust, are beautifully written.

I totally get the hype now. 5/5.